Voting as Faith
Challenging Christian Passivity in the Face of Modernity’s Demands
Introduction to the Dilemma
In the movie Inception, a critical idea is planted in the mind of a target under the guise of truth: a lie about paternal love that manipulates the target's actions. This metaphor parallels the situation of non-voting Christians, who may believe they are making a morally justified decision by not participating in elections. However, this essay argues that such abstention represents a misunderstanding of their biblical responsibilities and the strategic importance of voting in shaping societal values.
Biblical Imperative to Participate
According to Matthew 5:13–16, Christians are called to be the salt and light of the world, which involves preserving goodness and illuminating truth. Voting is a primary tool for fulfilling this mandate, as it directly influences the moral and ethical direction of our society. When Christians abstain from voting, they neglect their role in preventing societal decay, much like ignoring the primary step of shutting off the water in a burst pipe scenario.
The Lesser of Two Evils: A Realistic Approach
The common justification among non-voting Christians is the desire to avoid choosing the "lesser of two evils." However, this perspective is flawed because it assumes the availability of a perfect candidate, which is unrealistic. Scriptural history is replete with flawed individuals like Moses, David, and Paul, whom God used despite their imperfections. Thus, waiting for a faultless leader is impractical and unscriptural. Instead, Christians should engage in due diligence to choose the candidate whose policies align more closely with biblical principles, promoting human flourishing and adhering to God’s laws.
Engagement in the Public Sphere: A Lesson from C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis famously argued that Christians must be educated and active to counteract the prevailing non-Christian influences outside the church.1 Voting is a key element of this engagement, preventing the dominance of perspectives hostile to a biblical worldview. Abstaining from voting allows these adverse viewpoints to proliferate unchallenged, influencing laws and policies in ways that could hinder Christian practices and beliefs.
The Modern Challenge: James Davison Hunter’s Analysis
James Davison Hunter outlines how modernity challenges religious expression through functional rationality, cultural pluralism, and structural pluralism.2 These elements encourage a secular mindset that marginalizes religious views. Hunter advocates for the active participation of religious individuals in government to counter these pressures, ensuring that religious
perspectives continue to find a voice in public discourse. His arguments underscore the necessity for Christians to vote in order to influence government structures and policies towards accommodating religious life and values.
The Sovereignty of God and Civic Responsibility
While God’s sovereignty assures that His will is ultimately fulfilled, this does not absolve Christians from taking concrete actions to influence societal outcomes. Just as Jeremiah urged the Israelites in captivity to seek the welfare of their city, Christians today are called to improve their communities, which includes participating in elections. Voting allows Christians to support candidates and policies that reflect biblical values, thus contributing to the public good and fulfilling God’s commandments.
Conclusion: Actively Shaping Society
Voting is not just a right but a responsibility for Christians, providing them with the means to support evangelical and charitable activities by shaping a conducive societal framework. By voting, Christians actively participate in God's redemptive plan, aligning their civic actions with their spiritual beliefs and ensuring that their voices contribute to the national discourse on morality, justice, and the common good.
C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
James Davison Hunter. American Evangelicalism: Conservative Religion and the Quandary of Modernity (Kindle Locations 158-159). Kindle Edition.